BOISE, Idaho (AP) — The amount of severance taxes generated by Idaho's oil and gas industry is getting close to paying what it costs the state to regulate that industry.

Idaho Department of Lands Director Tom Schultz estimates that 2017 severance taxes will come close to the break-even point as natural gas production has been increasing.

Besides that, officials say, the industry is also generating income tax, sales tax, property tax and business tax for the state.

Idaho has a long history of oil and gas exploration starting in the early 1900s. Peaks for well permits occurred in the 1920s, 1950...